Book donation by Elizabeth Brinkama, February 8, 2019

Books are near and dear to our hearts so we were thrilled to receive this donation of new books from Elizabeth Brinkama on February 8, 2019. We are working on collecting new books for our next school-wide distribution of books at a Title I school (TBD). We welcome any individuals, groups, or businesses that can help us by hosting a book drive. Thank you! 

STM at Mid-Winter Play Day, February 10, 2019

STM had a great day on February 10, 2019 giving out free used books and sharing our mission with the TP community at the Mid-Winter Play Day. Lots of fun was had by all. Highlights included facepainting, board games, balloons, and Simon Says with Congressman Jamie Raskin! Our thanks to the City of Takoma Park, MD – Municipal Government and Pat Rumbaugh/Let’s Play America for letting us be part of their special day!

STM at Colette’s Valentine’s Day Slumber Party, February 8, 2019

STM had a wonderful time with Colette and her friends on February 8. Colette decided to craft for those in need as part of her Valentine’s Day Slumber Party. She and her friends worked diligently to make tied fleece scarves. Colette decided to donate her scarves to the families attending the Difference Makers Kokua Foods distribution this weekend. Our thanks to Colette, her family, and her friends for their kindness.

Fleece Scarves and Toiletries for the Homeless Delivered!

Our thanks to all of our STM members and partners (Difference Makers, DM Ambassadors, DM at Richard Montgomery High School, Strathmore Children’s Chorus, Seneca Valley High School, The Goddard School), and volunteers including NASDAQ #NasdaqGoodWorks and Montgomery County Volunteer Center volunteers for donating their time and effort. We would also like to thank Youth Service America, Mott Foundation, and Montgomery County Volunteer Center for their generous grants to STM that made this possible.

  • 70 hand decorated cotton drawstring toiletry bags filled with soap, shampoo, conditioner, razors, toothbrush, toothpaste for Interfaith Works Women’s Shelter
  • 120 hand decorated cotton drawstring toiletry bags filled with soap, shampoo, conditioner, razors, toothbrush, toothpaste for Shepherd’s Table
  • 100 fleece scarves for Shepherd’s Table
  • 200 fleece men’s scarves for Montgomery County Coalition for the Homeless HBCAC Men’s Shelter
  • 350 fleece scarves, 35 knit scarves, 35 knit hats scarves, and 10 knit pillows to The National Center for Children and Families

Small Things Matter receives 2019 Unsung Hero Award, January 26, 2019.

Lana Anderson was awarded an Unsung Hero Award for her work with Small Things Matter on January 26, 2019. This award reflects all the hard work of our members in promoting literacy in underserved communities and in engaging children of all ages to craft items for those in need. Our thanks to our wonderful STM members, Takoma United for this honor Doris Duarte and Bryan Goehring for presenting her award, and The Takoma Foundation for hosting this event. Congratulations to all the other 2019 Unsung Heroes (Renay JohnsonCarolyn Leary BobbTebabu Assefa, Jessie Carpenter, and Leicia Monfort) for their amazing work in our community.